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      Arsenal ‘parked a double decker bus at the Etihad’ – it wasn’t a ‘masterclass in defending’ says legendary manager

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      FORMER Premier League boss Sam Allardyce says Arsenal “parked a double decker bus” against Manchester City.The two title contenders played out a drab goalless draw last Sunday.Mikel Arteta ‘parked a double decker bus’ versus Man CityCredit: ReutersArsenal played out a dull 0-0 drawCredit: ReutersSam Allardyce has praised Arteta but doesn’t think it was a tactical ‘masterclass’Credit: AFPArsenal have faced criticism from some due to their defensive approach to the game that aimed to restrict City to few chances.But Allardyce, who has managed the likes of England, West Ham and Newcastle, praised Mikel Arteta’s tactics but said it was not a stroke of genius.He told the William Hill and Footy Accumulators’ podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football: “People are calling Arsenal’s performance at the Etihad a masterclass in defending – it wasn’t. “Arteta clearly asked the team simply not to lose. A point away at Manchester City is valuable and that is what they set out to get. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They parked the bus – a double-decker bus at that!“Everybody was looking forward to it being an entertaining game and it wasn’t, but I have to say that doesn’t happen very often anymore. “I have to give Arteta full marks for the way they went about nullifying Manchester City. “He is there to win the league this time. He blew it last year, he gave it away. I think he has learnt his lesson and is developing as a manager and the new signings have made them better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal were without centre-back William Saliba for the run-in last season as he was injured.Allardyce believes the Frenchman’s fitness this time around could swing the title race in the Gunners’ favour.Animated Pep Guardiola berates Jack Grealish at full-time after Man City are frustrated by Arsenal in title showdown He explained: “Losing Saliba was the reason they lost the league last year because as soon as he was out they started conceding goals. “This year he is still there and he is the best centre-back in the country at the moment.”There are just eight matchweeks to go and Allardyce believes City will win it for a fourth time in a row if they can fix their defensive issues as they have been “too easy to score against” lately. More

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      Raging Roy Keane once told forgotten Man Utd star ‘you’ll never make it.. you’ll be playing pub league’ in scathing rant

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      RIO FERDINAND has recalled the time Roy Keane furiously berated ex-Manchester United midfielder Michael Stewart in training.Keane, 52, was one of the most feared men in football during his time at Old Trafford.Rio Ferdinand recalled the time Roy Keane criticised a Man Utd playerCredit: YouTube / The OverlapKeane was Man Utd captain for eight yearsCredit: GettyHaving captained United for eight years, the Ireland international had no issue in telling his team-mates if and when they were not up to standard.And on the latest edition of the Stick to Football podcast, Ferdinand was keen to discuss one particular incident.The former centre-back said: “Do you remember Michael Stewart?”We were sitting on the ledge where you do your leg swings before you go out to training, and he was a young lad, Scottish international.Read More in Football”He was there and I don’t know what triggered Roy, but I could hear him saying, ‘You’ll never make it, you. You’ll be playing for a pub team in a couple years’ time if you carry on the way you are’.”But Keane quickly responded: “I was right! He ended up playing for Hibernian and Hearts. I was trying to motivate him.”Stewart made 14 senior appearances for Man Utd before leaving in 2005.He went on to spend two years at Hibernian and three years at Hearts.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe midfielder then spent a season with Turkish side Gençlerbirliği before returning to England to join Charlton.After signing a short-term deal, he made nine appearances for the Addicks.’My kids needed me’, says Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd icon shares heartbreaking reason for turning back on management dreamStewart was also capped four times by the Scottish national team. More

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      ‘My kids needed me’, says Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd icon shares heartbreaking reason for turning back on management dream

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed the heartbreaking reason he could not pursue his management dream. The Manchester United and England legend retired in 2015 and began taking his coaching badges. Rio Ferdinand revealed the heartbreaking reason he could not pursue his management dreamHe even did so alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and John O’Shea, all ex-United stars who have gone on to coach. But, in the same year Ferdinand hung up his boots, his wife Rebecca sadly passed away following a battle with breast cancer at the age of just 34.She left behind the couple’s three young children Lorenz, Tate, and Tia.And Ferdinand admits it was for that reason that he could not commit to management. He said on The Overlap podcast: “I was doing my badges. I wanted to be a coach, manager 100 per cent. “Me, Wayne, Michael, Sheasy, they’ve all done management now, I was on the same course as them. “But obviously, personal situations at home happen. If you’re going to be a manager you’ve got to be there 24/7 there’s no time off. “I’ve seen it with Stevie and Frank in the little time I’ve had with them. The change from being a pundit to a manager, their phones are never off their ear. Most read in Football”They’re not really fully engaged because they’re probably thinking about a million other things. “My kids needed me to be 100 per cent with them, I’m at work but I’m contactable, I can still be there I can still get to parents evenings whereas with managers, they miss all that stuff. ‘We were a disgrace’, says ex-Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand as he reveals massive change he’d bring to football “So I had to make a real quick decision. It wasn’t even something I had to think about, really. It was just like, I’m not doing that.”The former defender later tied the knot again, with former reality TV star Kate Wright – now Ferdinand – in 2019. And Kate has helped raise Ferdinand’s children while also welcoming two children into the world, son Cree and baby girl Shae. My kids needed me to be 100 per cent with them, I’m at work but I’m contactable, I can still be there I can still get to parents evenings whereas with managers, they miss all that stuff. Rio FerdinandFerdinand, 45, now features on fans’ TV screen as a regular pundit on TNT Sports, a role he is still loving. He said: “I’d be doing this anyway with my pals, going to games. “Loads of my mates would be coming up to me after the game on the weekend, I’d be on that train or on the mini bus with them. “But I love it and where we get to see it first hand we’re still close enough you get to smell it and feel it a little bit. I love it.”Ferdinand with his first wife Rebecca in 2009 who sadly passed away aged just 34Credit: Getty – ContributorThe former footballer is now with ex-reality TV star KateCredit: InstagramKate is step mum to Ferdinand’s three kids while they also share two themselvesCredit: Kate Ferdinand / Instagram More

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      Premier League ‘could SCRAP points deductions and introduce American rule’ paving way for mega transfer splurge

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      A SHOCK new report has claimed that the Premier League could SCRAP point deductions and introduce an American sport style “luxury tax” instead.Everton were hit with a whopping ten-point penalty – reduced to six on appeal – for breaching Prem Profitability and Sustainability Rules.The Premier League could introduce a shock new ‘luxury tax’Credit: ReutersThat could open the door for the likes of Todd Boehly to spend even moreCredit: GettyNottingham Forest were then stung with a four-point deduction for breaking PSR rules.And clubs were wary over what they spent during the January transfer window, making it one of the quietest ones on record.That has reportedly left “many officials to deem the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) not fit for purpose” and sparked huge concern.Many fear current spending rules will see the Premier League fall from its position as the world’s most lucrative competition as clubs struggle to pay elite transfer fees and wages.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow, the Daily Mail report that clubs have discussed “radical reform” and a completely new system could be voted in at June’s meeting.They say that up to 17 of the 20 top-flight teams are set to back the change, with just 14 needing to be in agreement to get the rules switched.This report says that the punishments to Everton and Forest “were draconian and not reflective of why PSR was brought in” and clubs should be able to “have a go” if they have the cash to do so without punishment that could result in relegation.That is where the “luxury tax” has been reportedly considered.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat would mean that teams overspending would have a financial punishment instead of points that would increase the more they spend.The money accumulated from that would be redistributed to those Prem clubs staying within the rules, while it was also mentioned that some of the cash may go to an “emergency fund” for EFL clubs in financial difficulties.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIIt is not known whether any monetary penalties would count against the following year’s finances.America’s Major League Baseball and NBA currently have the tax, which relates to the amount spent on the salaries of their squad.However, both the NFL and National Hockey League have “hard” salary caps that teams cannot exceed.There is a new Uefa rule that is also “viewed favourably” by some top-flight teams while an “anchoring” has also been talked about.That would be set on the amount a club can spend being directly related to the wage bill spent by the bottom club. For example, if Sheffield United’s wage bill is £50m this term and they end up bottom, then every club would have a set multiple of that figure to spend for the following season.And if anyone breaks that cap, then they would pay the fine.Chelsea made two of the biggest transfers ever in January 2023 More

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      Thomas Partey hints at Arsenal contract extension despite Mikel Arteta considering cashing in on injury-prone star

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      THOMAS PARTEY has hinted he wants to extend his contract at Arsenal.The Gunners midfielder’s deal expires next summer – having joined from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45m – but there have so far been no talks over a fresh offer. Thomas Partey made a rare Prem start against Luton in mid-weekCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is deliberating over whether to let the injury-prone star leave this summerCredit: GettyInjuries have plagued the Ghanaian’s four-year stay at the Emirates, and made just his second start of the season since August during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Luton following surgery on a thigh issue.There is speculation that Mikel Arteta may look to cash in on the 30-year-old this summer ahead of another recruitment drive.Juventus have previously been interested, while Partey has also been linked to a switch to the Saudi Pro League.But Partey has told Arteta that he sees his future in North London, explaining: “My head is always here. This is where I choose to play, I’m really happy every time I’m on the field.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“I know a lot of speculations have been going on, but for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club.“I still have to the end of the season, I think. I have to do my best and try to perform at the highest level and I think the most important is to be available every time.”Arteta will hope Partey can contribute in Arsenal’s push for a sensational Prem and Champions League double this term.Partey added: “I feel good. I’ve improved a lot on my fitness, and I’m trying my best to keep on going at this level and keep giving my best.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Ghanaian’s future was further complicated last summer with the £105m arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham.England star Rice has been a revelation at the Emirates, firing the Gunners above champions Man City and to within touching distance of leaders Liverpool in the title race.Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal star Mikel Arteta signed after his own failed attempt More

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      Oleksandr Zinchenko says Arsenal can be world beaters ahead of their drive for Premier League and Champions League glory

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO believes Arsenal are ready to be world beaters ahead of a season-defining two weeks.The Gunners remain at the heart of a thrilling three-pronged Premier League title race after beating strugglers Luton 2-0 at the Emirates on Wednesday night thanks to Martin Odegaard’s first half strike and Daiki Hashioka’s own goal.Oleksandr Zinchenko starred in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Luton on WednesdayCredit: GettyGunners boss Mikel Arteta is eyeing Prem and Champions League glory this termCredit: ReutersThat is now nine wins from their last 10 Prem outings – including going unbeaten against title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City since the turn of the year.However, their biggest tests remain on the horizon this month both domestically and in EuropeAfter Saturday’s trip to Brighton, Mikel Arteta’s men face Bayern Munich over two legs in the Champions League quarter finals on April 9 and April 17, either side of hosting top four chasing Aston Villa on April 14.With their hopes of silverware still in the balance, Ukrainian international Zinchenko has sent a rallying cry to his teammates.READ MORE ARSENALAsked if Arsenal’s unbeaten streak – including a hard-fought 0-0 draw away at City last weekend – gives them confidence, Zinchenko said: “Yeah, I won’t lie to you.“We are fighting for something big this season. It shows we are ready to compete with the best teams in the world.“It’s not easy to play against City away and also Liverpool away and the other teams as well. It shows Arsenal are ready to fight for it.”Zinchenko arrived from City last summer for £35m, and was a part of the Arsenal side that threw away an eight-point lead at the top to Pep Guardiola’s men last term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 27-year-old full-back added: “When I came here I saw already a lot of qualities here and a lot of different players with such a big talent.“This year all of us we’ve got more experience, we’ve played with each other much, much more and I think we’re improving.”Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal star Mikel Arteta signed after his own failed attempt Zinchenko made his first Prem start against the Hatters since early February, having lost his place to makeshift Polish defender Jakub Kiwior in recent weeks.With the impending return of left-back Jurrien Timber after his knee surgery back in August, Zinchenko is relishing the competition for places.He said: “It is good for all of us and the team as well that we have good competition in each position. We need to fight and work hard to deserve this opportunity to play every time.”I used to give Declan Rice compliments on the football pitch… I couldn’t help myself, says Troy DeeneyBy Troy Deeney
      THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.
      Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.
      When he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.
      The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.
      And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.
      We would tell each other to ‘do one’ every now and again but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say, ‘Good touch, mate’.
      He had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.
      He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be.
      When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or, ‘Why him?’. It was more a sense of, ‘Yeah, that makes sense’.
      There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.
      Click here to read Troy Deeney’s column in full. More

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      Liverpool vs Sheffield United LIVE SCORE: Title-chasing Reds host relegation-doomed Blades in crucial Prem match

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      LIVERPOOL are closing in on what would be a perfect farewell for Jurgen Klopp – and next on the to-do list is Sheffield United.The Reds took full advantage of Arsenal’s draw with Manchester City by beating Brighton to go two points clear.And a win against relegation-threatened Blades would see them remain top going into another action-packed weekend.
      Kick-off time: 7:30pm BST
      Live stream: discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sports 2
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      I’m a former Chelsea star who became a Match of the Day pundit – but I quit it all to become a pastor

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      FORMER Premier League star and pundit Gavin Peacock now works as a pastor.The 56-year-old played for the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Chelsea.Gavin Peacock used to play for Chelsea and NewcastleCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The TimesHe is now a pastor in CanadaCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The TimesPeacock hung up his boots at the end of his third spell at QPR in 2002 and landed a job as a pundit for the BBC.He appeared on Match of the Day, Radio 5 Live, presented a Football Focus feature on religion in the game and even hosted an episode of Songs of Praise.But after Euro 2008 punditry duties, he quit it all to follow his dream of becoming a pastor.Peacock was a devout Christian during his playing days and was interested in leading a church after studying theology on the side of his media work.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTherefore, the ex-midfielder packed his bags and moved to Canada to undergo a masters course in divinity at Ambrose Seminary.He now lives in Calgary and is a pastor in the area.Peacock said in an interview with QPR: “I have always spoken about my faith in Jesus Christ but never sensed a call to full-time ministry until six years ago.”This call was affirmed by the church and I began to preach. It was then that I felt compelled to pursue vocational ministry. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I had been working for the BBC on Match of the Day and Football Focus as well as being sent to World Cups.”It was all going very well. So when I gave everything up, it did surprise a number of people. Ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas refers to himself in third-person 6 times and says ‘my name is great’ in weird speech”It’s been the hardest few years of my life – but coming away from the UK has given me some anonymity. “Here in Canada, they consider me a preacher, not a footballer or pundit.”Peacock played 105 times for Newcastle, scoring 16 goals in the 1991/92 season and winning their Player of the Year award.He was then signed by Chelsea for £1.5m and was the Blues’ top scorer in the 1993/94 campaign as they made the FA Cup final, losing to Manchester United.Gavin Peacock was Chelsea’s top scorer in the 1993/94 seasonCredit: Richard Pelham More